Friday, March 7, 2014

Coconut, Apricot and Cacao Bliss Balls

Left: chocolate energy bark
Right: Bliss Balls

I can't stop myself from making and eating these bliss balls. Perfect for popping in your mouth for mid-morning snack, and perfect for getting the energy for nap-time nursing. The best part is that there is no cooking involved. I start with a simple base of equal parts soaked organic and sulfur-free dried apricots and desiccated coconut and then add in a few pantry favorites like raw cacao powder, cacao nibs and chia seeds. Have you ever tried Crio Bru? It is simple wonderful and the granules are good in these bliss balls. These will be a huge hit with dairy-free, gluten-free and nut-free friends too. They are so simple, yet special at the same time. What you need for base:200 grams unsulfered, organic dried apricots-- I have the bulk guys at Whole Foods fill up a bag for me when the order comes in. 200 grams desiccated coconut--I use this, and like to get several bags at a time with BoGo promo.1 tsp of local, raw honey--I get mine from Urban Harvest Farmer's MarketWhat I like for add-ins, I'd say I use roughly one tablespoon each:Some cacao nibs or Crio Bru granules or leftover groundsSome raw cacao powderSome chia seedsWhat to do:Soak dried apricots in water for 2 hours, so that they softenDrain off water and add to TM bowlAdd Coconut and honeyBlitz, speed 7 for 25-30 secondsAdd in extras, blend on speed 4 reverse speed for about 10 secondsRoll into balls and roll into coconut to coatStore in fridge

See here for original recipeAnd for more lunchbox and bliss ball ideas, see here